Travel Guide
Everything you need to know — hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
The Hana Highway twists about 52 miles from Kahului to Hana past more than 600 curves, dozens of one-lane bridges, waterfalls, bamboo forest and black-sand beaches. It is less about the destination than the stops along the way, including Waiʻānapanapa State Park and the Kipahulu district of Haleakala.
Insider Knowledge
Start by 7:00 AM from Paia with a full tank of gas, snacks and water, since services are sparse.
Book your Waiʻānapanapa State Park entry and parking time slot in advance; walk-ups are turned away.
Pull fully off the road to let locals pass and never park in a no-parking zone or on private land.
Download offline maps or an audio guide app, because cell coverage drops out for long stretches.
Common Questions
Plan a full day: 2-2.5 hours each way without stops, and 8-10 hours with a realistic number of stops.
Aim to be heading back from Hana by mid-afternoon so you drive the curves before dark.
Fees and reservation rules change, so check the Hawaii State Parks reservation site before you go.
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Nearby
mauiHaleakala's 10,023-foot summit looks down into a vast volcanic crater of red and black cinder cones, and sunrise here above the clouds is one of Hawaii's signature experiences. The park also protects the rare silversword plant and, on the coast, the Kipahulu district with Oheo Gulch and the bamboo-lined Pipiwai Trail.
mauiIao Valley is a lush, emerald valley in the West Maui Mountains just outside Wailuku, home to the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. It was the site of the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai, and a short paved loop leads to viewpoints, a stream and botanical gardens.
mauiKaanapali is a 3-mile stretch of golden sand in West Maui backed by a paved beach walk and resort hotels. At its north end, Black Rock (Puu Kekaa) offers easy snorkeling with turtles and reef fish, and a torch-lighting and cliff-dive ceremony takes place there at sunset.
mauiMolokini is a crescent-shaped, partly submerged volcanic crater about 3 miles off the south Maui coast and a protected marine sanctuary. Morning boat trips anchor in its calm inner basin, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet and reef fish swarm the coral.
mauiNapili Bay is a small, crescent-shaped cove in West Maui with soft sand, calm summer water and frequent green sea turtle sightings. Low-rise condos keep it relaxed, and it is one of the island's loveliest spots to watch the sun drop behind Molokai.
mauiThe Hana Highway twists about 52 miles from Kahului to Hana past more than 600 curves, dozens of one-lane bridges, waterfalls, bamboo forest and black-sand beaches. It is less about the destination than the stops along the way, including Waiʻānapanapa State Park and the Kipahulu district of Haleakala.